Contact Admin. Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users. Launched on 27 November , she was converted to an escort carrier and transferred under the lend lease agreement to the Royal Navy.
She was commissioned on 2 March Avenger ' s capacity allowed for a maximum of 15 aircraft. In September , she took part in what was the largest and most successful Russian convoy to date. Upon her return home, after observing a number of design faults, Avenger ' s captain drew up recommendations for future escort carrier design. In November she took part in Operation Torch , the Allied invasion of North Africa, where she suffered engine problems.
The Avenger -class escort carriers were converted American type C3 merchant ships of the C3 class. Their design was based on the U. Originally named Rio-Hudson , she was laid down on 28 November as a passenger cargo ship for the American Moore-McCormack line, and was launched on 27 November She was then purchased by the United States Navy and converted to an escort aircraft carrier in the Bethlehem Steel yards at Staten Island. Transferred to the Royal Navy on 31 July , she was commissioned 2 March when the conversion was completed.
Avenger had a complement of men including aircrew and an overall length of Propulsion was provided by four diesel engines connected to one shaft, giving 8, brake horsepower.
This could propel the ship at The exercise had to be curtailed when her engines broke down. During the crossing the Swordfish of Squadron provided anti-submarine patrols. On 4 May, two aircraft lost the convoy in heavy weather and requested a homing beacon from Avenger.
